Full Text

Terapanth

DOI:
10.1111/b.9780631181392.1995.x

Extract

[ xx ] S hvetambara J ain sect which rejects image-worship and advocates the permanent wearing of the mouth-shield (M uhpatti ) by its ascetics. The Terapanth was formed in the 18th century ce by Acarya Bhikshu, who left the S thanakvasi sect because of its supposed laxity in order to promulgate his own brand of Jainism which he claimed was directly based on the scriptures in respect to matters such as non-violence. Differing interpretations of the name Terapanth are found, according to which the ‘path’ ( panth ) of ‘thirteen’ ( tera ) is taken as referring to either the 13 main precepts of Jainism or an original 13 adherents. Eight teachers have succeeded Acarya Bhikshu, each of whom has assumed a dominant position, so that the sect has remained virtually immune to fission. Today, the sect is strongest in Rajasthan, its place of origin. [4: 218–24] ... log in or subscribe to read full text

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